Lift chairs work wonders for people who are elderly, disabled, or have trouble getting into a standing position after sitting for any period of time. These electric chairs slowly rise higher and higher off the ground, eventually the person who was seated is then able to place his/her feet directly onto the floor and stand up.

A variety of chairs are available, each with different features provided. Of course, the more features one of these automated chairs has, the pricier it will be. The weight limit for most of these chairs is between 375 and 450, but there are some larger models that can hold up to 700 pounds.

Most chairs that provide an added lift is a two position chair. This chair can allow its occupant to either sit or recline slightly. If sleeping is desired, then a three position chair needs to be purchased. Some medical conditions require a person to lay down with his/her feet elevated above heart level. The infinite position chairs are able to be put into this position as well.

The government will often help to defer the cost of an automatic chair, for individuals who meet all the qualifications. This means that a 400 dollar chair can be as little as 100 dollars, when the 300 dollar credit is provided. There are some chairs that can cost as much as 2000 dollars, due to the leather covering and massage capabilities.

These chairs can be considered safety hazards when not used correctly. Most manufacturers apply certain features to make this chair safer and eliminate the number of injuries that can occur. There are cushions that can be added to a regular chair and provide a little bit of lift, if an automatic chair isn't able to be purchased.

The less mobility a person has, the less independence he or she also tends to have. A lift chair can help a person stand up, while a stair lift is able to assist a person up the stairs. Scooters are another form of equipment used to aid people in gaining more mobility and independence.

The invention of lift chairs has changed the lives of many people around the world. These people would have otherwise been highly dependent on someone else for assistance, thus reducing their personal independence.